Pasadena’s Golden Gloves Tournament Embraces Digital Age, Eyes 2028 Olympics

Victory Park Recreation Center in Pasadena will host two major amateur boxing tournaments this spring, marking a significant shift toward digital accessibility in the traditional sport.

The Southern California Regional Golden Gloves, scheduled for March 13-16, and the California State Championships, set for April 12-13, will feature live-streaming capabilities through the Golden Gloves USA platform.

“For those that can’t get out and come see it live, they have the opportunity to stream it or to see it from home,” said Fausto de la Torre, Pasadena’s boxing program coordinator.

The tournaments align with preparations for the 2028 Olympics, de la Torre emphasized.

“Our main concern is to prepare these kids for the upcoming 2028 Olympics, and this is definitely one of the biggest tournaments that will establish them to lead towards the Olympics,” he said.

“We’re actually getting ready to expand our programming here in the city of Pasadena,” de la Torre added. “We’re looking to expand a satellite program over at Victory Park. We’re also going to Jackie Robinson Community Park to also offer boxing for our local youth.”

Five local athletes, including returning competitors Fatimas, Miguel Diaz, and Adriana Nunez, will participate in the events, which maintain strict safety protocols including pre- and post-physical examinations by medical doctors.

Female participation in boxing has also seen significant growth, de la Torre noted.

“It continues to grow just overall in every state,” he said. “It’s becoming very popular. It’s trendy right now with female boxers… five of our girls that have been in the international team have all turned professional.”

The tournaments, which originated in 1923 through Chicago Tribune sports editor Arch Ward, are part of the center’s expanded daily programming, which operates daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. serving youth, adults, and seniors.

Victory Park Recreation Center has added a second ring to improve visibility, while maintaining updated International Boxing Association headgear standards and ensuring on-site neurologist presence during competitions.

The events, developed in partnership with the Police Athletic League to introduce boxing to more youth, will offer tickets at $20 for adults and $10 for children under 10.

California’s Golden Gloves franchise has historically served as a cornerstone of Western United States amateur boxing, following a three-tiered structure of competitions from local to national championships.